Grandeur and garland provide festive feeling

The Home of the Rittenhouse Family 502 South Fourth Street

Built in 1864 by Alexander B. Moore and registered with the Geneva History Center, this captivating residence is one of Geneva's most notable houses. Interior and landscape design is done by decorator Debra Phillips, owner of Scentimental Gardens. The striking wraparound veranda adds to the grandeur of the Italianate villa. A belvedere cupola is perched atop the roof. Moore designed the house with 16 panes of glass to resemble a railroad car — a special place he could watch the trains come into the station, just one block away.

Holiday cheer welcomes all through the dark grained fir, double entry, which opens into an impressive foyer lit by a decorative chandelier, original to the home. Light wall tones emphasize the rich mahogany of the stairway spindles and railing ascending to a recessed coffin-turn. An English equestrian theme accents the Ralph Lauren-styled décor throughout the home.

Two parlors, mirroring each in architectural detail with Italian fireplaces, picture rail moldings and ornate ceilings, remind visitors of a time gone by. An eclectic wall fixture, acquired from a Louisiana antebellum home, is left on to light St. Nicholas' way. French iron valances in the dining room embellish floor to ceiling windows. For almost 150 years, this room has been host to entertainment, first as a kitchen and now as the dining room. The table is set for the laughter and merriment of Christmas dinner.

Lustrous cherry cabinets adorn the family kitchen, added in 1920 and remodeled in 2000. Expansive windows allow the sunshine to stream in while overlooking a gentle winter scene. Chef Roby's culinary art and creativity is displayed on the black granite countertops. Evidence of the detailed woodwork, fashioned by the homeowner, can be seen in the eating area and in the family room, including the wainscoting, coffered ceiling and bases for the banisters, which were obtained from a Baptist church in Atlanta.

Step down to the family room, added in 2004. Centered around a stone fireplace and built in quarter sawn white oak shelves, the homeowner has outdone himself with his craftsmanship. Imported doors from France conceal a handcrafted armoire. A large planter is constructed using the home's original floors. The expertise of the decorator is again present through pieces perfectly selected for the home. Holiday splendor unfolds outside. Special surprises are waiting in the children's playhouse.

Gaze into the powder room. Deep red walls are the backdrop for a distinctive, antique footed marble sink. An ink drawing, handed down to each new homeowner, depicting this home as it was in the beginning, hangs on the faux knotty pine wall, which is actually drywall painted by Patrick Roullier of Chicago. As you step out onto the pillared side porch, you leave with a festive feeling as the aroma of pine fills the cool air.

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Scentimental Gardens: 428 W. State St. (corner of Fifth and State streets), Geneva; 630-232-1303; scentimentalgardens.com